Randy Krehbiel

Tulsa World Reporter

An Oklahoma lawmaker is challenging a scheme to finance a new governor's mansion because it did not go through the Legislature.

Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, said he has asked for a formal attorney general's opinion on whether the Capital Preservation Commission violated the Oklahoma Constitution when it approved construction of a new official residence.

The $6 million in projected construction costs are to be paid with donations, but Fugate contends the state will be on the hook for other associated costs, including utilities, insurance, furnishings and maintenance.

Plans call for the new official residence to be built alongside the current one, which was built in 1928. That building is to be maintained for official events and used as a guest

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